1990 Lafite Rothschild
By Chateau Lafite Rothschild
1990 Lafite Rothschild from Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux
The 1990 vintage from Chateau Lafite Rothschild captivates the connoisseur's imagination with its remarkable composition and storied emergence from a remarkably harmonious season in Pauillac. In this year, climatic patterns aligned to construct a vintage that insiders recognise for its early approachability and mesmeric ageing potential.
Elegance and Complexity: The Halmark of Lafite
The autumnal equinox of provenance saw the 1990 Lafite Rothschild take shape under skies that bequeathed ample sunshine and ideal temperatures, fostering grapes of optimal ripeness. This felicitous serendipity is reflected in the wine’s confident balance – a symphony of dark fruit interspersed with whispers of cedar and earthy whispers, sealing a legacy in every uncorked bottle.
Navigating an Oenophile’s Dream Terroir
Pauillac's gravely soils have long been the foundation upon which lauded vintages are built, and 1990 stands as a testament to this. Vital yet subtle tannins provide a framework that underpins the composition, while a cascading array of flavours – from blackcurrant to subtle leather – unfurls across the palate.
Fellow enthusiasts fondly recount the ample bouquet and layered complexity that has only deepened with time, indicating an investment-grade wine that rises to meet the loftiest expectations. It’s not merely about anticipating the evolution within the glass; it's about allowing such a vintage to recalibrate one’s appreciation of fine Bordeaux.
A Resonant Vintage of Resplendent Charm
In summation, commanding great reverence among collectors, the 1990 Lafite Rothschild exemplifies the epitome of fine Bordeaux investment wines. Each tasting is an exploration through a chapter of viniculture history, encapsulating an era where nature bestowed her full riches upon Pauillac. For those poised to expand their portfolio with a wine of profound stature, the 1990 Lafite Rothschild from Chateau Lafite Rothschild resonates as an astute addition.
Market price (USD)
$8,900.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
455.63
Scores and tasting notes
Interestingly, a bottle of 1990 Lafite Rothschild I pulled from my cellar for a video blog on my web site was still buttoned down, tight, and even with extended decanting was not showing as much as I would have hoped. However, a bottle tasted, of all places, in Seoul, Korea in February, was only a few points short of perfection. That amazing performance motivated me to pull another bottle out of my cellar and follow it over the course of two days. Sure enough, by the second day the wine was roaring from the glass. The 1990 Lafite has turned out far better than my early assessment. While it still possesses some firmness, and performs like a late adolescent in terms of its evolution, it boasts gorgeous aromas of cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and lead pencil shavings. The explosive aromas are followed by a fleshy, full-bodied wine that should hit its peak in 5-8 years, and last for 25-30 more. Release price:($1400.00/case)
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 June 2009
Tasted at the IMW Lafite seminar in London. The 1990 Lafite has a very typical Left Bank '90 nose with luscious brambly red fruit, kirsch, singed leather and truffle. For me, especially compared to the 1989, the aromatics are comparatively diffuse and certainly more decayed. The palate is medium-bodied with a soft, quite fleshy entry with strong savoury, meaty flavours. The '90 certainly has good weight, but there is something feral and animally here whilst there is a 'furry' texture on the 'mealy' finish. This is a highly enjoyable Lafite although one that I would not cellar long-term. Tasted February 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2012